About the Photoblog

The photographic journey began rather inauspiciously in 2003, when I purchased a digital camera for my wife, Bridget. Before long, the “gift” was forever tied to my hands, amazed at the means of instantaneous and permanent expression this newfound tool could provide.

In short order, the model for my obsession became the quirky and beloved McGee, the mixed breed Border Collie who exhibited a myriad of playful expressions and who, just as obsessively, never tired of the lens, water, or her playtime.

When we moved back home from San Antonio to Chicago, I began to view familiar surroundings in a new light, albeit surroundings that had not been seen in fifteen years. Suddenly, I was understanding the beauty of the prairie, the regal character of old and forgotten barns, the energy of the city. It was as if I had never visited the Midwest before, even though I was assuredly born and raised there.

That is when my discovery of photography truly began.

Through these photos, I hope to share a slice of the beauty of life — of all life — be it rural, urban, natural, animal, or otherwise. Sadly, McGee is no longer around to partake in our earthly adventures, but her spirit and inspiration live on. And I still owe Bridget a camera.

I came here because Fr. Matthew Green reblogged your snow photo. I love following photo blogs. I am an amateur photographer, having taken only a handful of photography classes, but loving every minute of them. I wish I had more time to practice. My writing takes precedence.

Well, February got off to a great start – the wonderful Kofegeek nominated me to receive the Liebster Blog Award. And now I want to nominate you for it too.

The Liebster Award is given to up-and-coming bloggers who currently have fewer than 200 followers (apologies if your blog has loads more followers – I don’t know how to check). The recipient is supposed to nominate five other bloggers in return. Liebster in Germany means ‘dearest’ or ‘beloved’ – so a lovely warm thing to pass on in the cold winter months.

Brian, thank you very much for following my new blog The Dappled Path.. I have been following you from my last blog Beauty in Everything. Your photographs are inspiring, and I look forward to receiving your new posts in my email every day..

Just wanted to say two things -firstly thank you
For liking one of my posts-I am a complete novice in this area and am delighted that someone takes the time to look at my attempts
Secondly-I absolutely LOVE your photographs , they are amazing, love the humour in some of them like ‘ crushing the party’-brilliant!
Thank you and kind regards,
Dasa

Dasa, thank you for the comment, and I am appreciative that you can see the humor in a couple of the images. Your natural portraits are wonderful and I look forward to following your work. Thank you so much.

Just to say I have nominated you for The Kreativ Blogger award. Please do not feel pressure to accept but you are very deserving of this accolade! I love your photographs, you are very talented! Thanks for all your nice comments on my blog too! You can find details here:

What a treat to have such an extraordinary photographer/artist stop by my blog! Thank you for the like! I love your prairie and barn scenes, and what a splendid capture of that goldfinch! I’ll be back. 🙂 Happy spring to you!

Hi Brian, I found your site and I love your photos. I have always loved pictures, even polaroids and disposable cameras! But, when digital cameras arrived, I was thrilled. I am following your blog now and can’t wait to see more. Take care.

Hi Brian, thanks for stopping by my site http://reflectionsofchina.wordpress.com/ and for the likes, it is appreciated 🙂 Now I can enjoy looking at your images from the other side of the worls, thanks for sharing, Regards Mark

Brian: Just spent a good part of my morning looking through your photography web site – I’m kinda choked up! I’m moved not just by the awesome pictures, but your poetic interpretations as well. Peppered in are a few with the “Brian-humor” we know & love. I’m bookmarking the site for frequent visits! I “LIKE!”

Hi Janet, great to hear from you. Thanks so much for the visit and lovely comment. Photography is a great means of expression and resource for sharing memories, and I am thrilled that you enjoy the site. Thanks again, cuz’!

Brian, thanks for liking one of my photos, which brought be to your blog. Your images are spectacular and reveal just how beautiful our world truly is…..when we take the time to “see” it’s beauty (and appreciate it). I look forward to being a regular follower. — Rob

Hello Brian, just wanted to say thank you for stopping by and liking my blog. I love your photography – it’s so rich and vibrant, the detailing is fantastic; I’m looking forward to seeing more.
All the best, Liz

Hey! Thanks for the like on my page, I am just getting things really started. Do you have any tips, I see that a lot of people follow your blog and anything helps! Also I really like your Red Bubble, But I have never heard of it. Would you tell me more about that too? Sorry if I am asking for a lot, I’m just eager. 🙂

Thanks, Angie. The primary tip I would have is to keep creating and producing work you love with an eye towards continual experimentation and learning. Redbubble is a great community to showcase your work, meet like-minded people, and perhaps make a sale or two. Finally, there are so many talented artists, writers, and photographers on WordPress and Redbubble, I would advise to frequently check out the hard work of others and to “share the love” from time to time.

Brian, I’m not usually one to do these Award things, but there are some blog sites like yours I enjoy so much, I wanted to recognize them as others have recognized me. I know you’ve been recognized with awards, but I’m recognizing you again on my blog with the Reader Appreciation Award. Your site is definitely one of my favorites. You can view the award at http://rcnormanphoto.com/2012/06/07/thanks-for-blogger-awards. No need to follow the silly rules — it’s the recognition that’s important. — Rob

Thank you for liking my blog post ‘journey’. Your Collie McGee looks beautiful. I understand your loss as I lost my lovely loyal friend, Blue Merle collie, Murphy, who now in spirit keeps my ‘girls’ in check on our walks where I often stop to write or take a photo.
Your photography is amazing!

My interest in photography began exactly the same way, with the purchase of a super-zoom point and shoot for my wife about 2 years ago. The tech originally peaked my interest but seeing life through the viewfinder really opened a new world to me. Thanks for stopping by, my blog is young so keep an eye out for new stuff.

Hi Brian, thanks for the like over at The Ripest Pics.
After enjoying many of the photos I’ve seen on your site, I’m following you – I love your work.
I sense from your photos that you shoot from the heart, and to my eye that’s the best photography.
I’m looking forward to seeing more!

Brian–thank you for the like. Your blog is beautiful. The photos of McGee made me misty-eyed. Hopefully, she has made friends with my Daisy and Muffin….don’t they know they are supposed to live forever? Just lovely.

Thanks for these photos, Brian. I’m blind, but because I can blow the images up on my computer I can see this visual beauty and your incredible awareness of light. I take pictures too, but as a tool for living, rather than as a visual memoir. The photos are still, however, the record of a moment that happened to me but which I didn’t see. Thanks for the pleasure, Steve